The Survivor Archives Project:  Spring 2010

Vanessa Kennedy, Advocate & Thriving Survivor

May 21, 2010

• Vanessa is, plainly put, Amazing! She’s survived her life’s darkest moments and now lets her light shine out into the world as an inspiration for other survivors who can’t yet do the same. Though it’s not included in her archive I wanted to post the following video because I think it says a lot.
  
  
  
  During her blog-a-thon (watch the video to learn more about it) the Army of Angels – a group of individuals who’ve healed from trauma and now live joyfully – were by her side cheering her on during the 24 hours straight that she stayed up blogging. Within that time she raised over $1000 dollars for the Angela Shelton Foundation.
  
  This is what happens when a group of people move beyond being victims, surpass being survivors, and move on to being warriors for others who can’t yet fight for themselves and each other. For those who read the following archive, please know that if you’re struggling you can and will do the same. Never give up. Find safe people to support you along the way. Because I think more than anything else Vanessa’s Archive highlights how important it is to have a support system during your journey. Whether its family, friends, or a support group find someone you can talk to. Find people who support you because you deserve nothing less.
  
  
  ~ Joanna Stoane
     Project Coordinator